WIRRAL Council is to repossess a Byrne Avenue swimming pool after it goes into administration

Jun 5 2009 By Staff Reporter

Staff at the centre were also left shocked by the sudden decision.

The baths, a registered charity, was run and operated by the Byrne Avenue Recreational Trust, which leased the building from Wirral Council.

Minutes from a meeting of Wirral’s ruling cabinet said: "Cabinet notes that this building is being repossessed by the council and, when repossessed, authorises officers to take the necessary action to maintain it in a safe and secure condition."

The council has declared the property "a surplus asset" and now plans to advertise it "as available for possible Community Asset transfer".

This would mean a local community group could run and operate the baths – if the building continues to be a swimming pool.

The cabinet also requested that "a further report be submitted to the cabinet advising of any progress made, with appropriate recommendations".

The council handed the running of the building to a trust in 1996 due to maintenance costs but it continued providing £20,000 a year.

In 2008 it gave the trust a May deadline to complete repairs or it would take the property back and the community rallied round with paintbrushes to help out.